Immunisations & travel medicine.
Before you travel, a consultation with your GP covers what vaccines you need, what health risks apply to your destination, and what to take with you. Stay up to date with routine and travel immunisations across all three SMSG centres. Childhood vaccinations are provided in line with the National Immunisation Program schedule, while your GP can also advise on travel-specific vaccines, destination health risks and other essential travel health needs before you go. Available across all three SMSG centres.
Standard schedules, and catch-ups.
Childhood immunisations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are funded by government and can be administered by the nursing team with any SMSG GPs. The NIP schedule includes vaccines at birth, 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 4 years, and adolescent years. Your child's individual schedule may vary based on medical history. Immunisations are recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and the “Blue Book”. Once updated on AIR, you can also access them via myGov or relevant Medicare applications.
For families whose children are behind on the schedule (for any reason, including moving from overseas), catch-up vaccinations can be planned during a long consultation with any GP to discuss you and your children's vaccination needs.
Adult vaccinations recommended under the NIP include:
- Annual influenza and COVID-19 boosters (all ages)
- Pertussis (whooping cough), for pregnant women
- Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines, for 65+
- Tetanus and diphtheria booster, every 10 years
Ask your GP today whether you're up to date on your recommended vaccinations.
Talk to your GP before you go.
Book a travel consultation ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. This gives time for vaccines to take effect (some require multiple doses spaced weeks apart) and for any specific arrangements to be made. Your consultation covers destination-specific health risks, required and recommended vaccines, malaria prevention and other prophylactic medications, food and water safety, insect avoidance, altitude and climate considerations, traveller's diarrhoea, medications to take with you, a travel medical kit, and what to do if you get sick overseas.
For complex trips (long duration, remote destinations, multi-country itineraries) a longer consultation may be needed. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry to certain countries and can only be administered at centres approved by the Department of Health and Aged Care. All SMSG centres are approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres and can provide both vaccination and Yellow Fever International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) where required.
Adult & childhood immunisations, boosters and travel vaccines.
Across all three centres.
Immunisations and travel medicine services are available across all three centres. Yellow Fever vaccinations are available by appointment only. Please contact reception to confirm availability.
Confirmed at booking.
Standard consultations for travel medicine and vaccinations are billed under each practitioner's standard consultation arrangements. Longer consultations may attract a longer consultation fee, with a Medicare rebate applying where eligible.
Vaccines covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are free for eligible patients. Travel vaccines are typically privately purchased, either onsite or through a pharmacy, with costs varying depending on the vaccine.
For Yellow Fever vaccination, patients generally require an initial assessment with the doctor. The vaccine will then be ordered following completion of the pre-consultation assessment. Reception will advise the estimated timeline and process when booking the appointment.
Common questions.
Are childhood vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program free?
Yes. The vaccines themselves are free. A consultation fee may apply for the appointment.
What if my child is behind on the immunisation schedule?
Catch-up vaccinations can be planned in a longer appointment. Your GP will develop a schedule to bring your child up to date.
Can I get vaccines outside the immunisation schedule?
Yes. Adults, adolescents and children can be vaccinated for indications outside the NIP schedule where clinically appropriate. Your GP will advise.
How do I find out what vaccines I need for my destination?
Bring your itinerary to the consultation, including all countries you'll visit and stopover points. Your GP references current recommendations from Smartraveller and the Department of Health.
Can I get Yellow Fever vaccination at SMSG?
All SMSG centres are Yellow Fever accredited and able to provide certification and administration services. Contact reception to confirm current availability at your preferred centre.
When should I book my travel consultation?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. Some vaccine schedules require multiple doses over several weeks. If you're travelling sooner than that, book anyway; we can prioritise the most important vaccines.
